The Mortality Principle. Alex Archer
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Western Kansas, 1866
Steady, wealthy and oh-so-safe—that’s the kind of husband Bess Trundale wants. Someone like the local banker’s son. Someone unlike Sheriff Kirk Landers. The lawman’s confident swagger gets right under her skin…and into her fantasies. And though she’s tried to ignore the chemistry surging between them, one night is about to change everything.
Kirk isn’t planning on being anyone’s husband ever again. But months of living under the same boardinghouse roof as quick-witted, feisty Bess have stirred desires he can’t ignore. Together they could put their pasts to rest and claim a bold, passionate future—if he can tempt her to break all the rules with him….
Never Tempt a Lawman
Lauri Robinson
MILLS & BOON
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Dedication
To Jean, for always knowing when I need a lunch date!
Author Note
There’s a lot to a name. One word that, in reality, identifies a person from birth to death, and we have no say or control over it. Unless we choose to change it.
At birth my mother was given the name Arlene Ruth. However, her older sister Betty Ann, who was four at the time, called the new baby Mary Jane. Betty Ann died eighteen months later from meningitis, and my great-aunt paid $300 (quite a sum in 1931) to have my mother’s name legally changed to Mary Jane. I shared that story at my mom’s funeral and was surprised by the number of family members who didn’t know about her name change.
When I was little, I loved the name Barbara, and so wanted that to be my name. That’s probably when my mother first told me about her name being changed, but I can’t say for sure. Did you have a name you thought was the best name ever? My sister-in-law said her wish-was-mine name was Sally.
Names… I have a list of them that I want to use in stories, but I have to wait until the “right” character comes along. Bess finally arrived for me. My paternal grandmother’s name was Bessie. It’s a name I’ve always loved, and I’m so glad I finally got to use it in a story.
I must also admit, sometimes I start using a name and then the character says, “Nope, that’s not my name.” I’ve changed names more than once because of that, and in the end, the character was right.
So here’s Bess Trundale and Sheriff Kirk Lander’s story. I hope you enjoy how Bess tempts Kirk, even though she doesn’t mean to. Or does she?
Blessings,
Lauri Robinson
Table of Contents
Chapter One
1866 Western Kansas
His lips were moving and sound entered her ears, but Bess Trundale’s mind didn’t process a word Eli Clancy said. How could it? He’d wear her brain out with his nonstop talking. Might already have.
Out of courtesy, she nodded now and again, and smiled as if listening, whereas she really wished he’d give his mouth a rest. If just for a few minutes. It was a nice night. The moon was big and bright, and the crickets were serenading. At least she thought they were. Eli’s prattling had long ago drowned out any sounds she might have wanted to hear.
Unable to take any more, Bess leaped to her feet. “It’s late.”
Startled, Eli was quiet for a moment, but then caught air. “Oh, yes, well, I suspect it is getting rather long into the night, now, isn’t it? I do believe it’s most likely going on nine o’clock, of course, the stars…”
Bess groaned, and spoke over him, knowing he might not stop again. “Good night, Eli. Thank you for the company this evening.”
Lamppost skinny, he rose off the porch swing to tower over her. “No, thank you, Bess. I truly enjoy our times together, why, it makes me feel splendid. Just splendid, I say.” He took her hand and smacked a slobbery kiss on the back of it. “I shall look forward to next Saturday evening all week.”
Bess pulled her hand away. “Next Saturday?”
“Yes, next Saturday, now that we’re courting, I’ll—”
“Courting?” Good heavens, maybe she should have been listening.
“Yes, courting,” he said. “I asked earlier, and you—”
“Hello, Miss Trundale, Mr. Clancy.”
The back of her neck tightened at the greeting. She didn’t mind the interruption, but not by him. Sheriff Kirk Landers was worse than Eli. He didn’t talk nonstop, but he irritated her. Like how he shoved open the gate to stroll up the walkway of the boarding house as if he owned the place.
He didn’t.
But he did live here, which goaded her. A lawman should be able to afford his own house. Kirk would have his own place soon enough. The very one she lived in. That shouldn’t bother her as much as it did. If anyone deserved happiness, it was her sister Helen.
“Good evening, Sheriff Landers,” Eli said. “It’s a mighty fine night, tonight, that it is. Why, I was just telling Bess, here, how the frogs…”
Bess groaned and wiped the back of her hand on her skirt as Eli started in on a thorough explanation about the different species of frogs that live in Kansas.
“That’s very interesting, Eli,” the sheriff said, now leaning against the porch railing. “I’ll have to take a closer look at the frogs that cross my path.” He glanced toward the night sky. “Right now, though, you should think about heading home. There’s a nasty storm brewing.”
“Oh, yes, yes, sir, I suspect I should. My ma wouldn’t appreciate my new suit getting wet. It’s wool, you know.” Eli started for the steps, but then swung his lanky frame around.